Virtual Stamp Club

Just 2 U.S. Inaugural Postmarks Recent past presidential inaugurations have been commemorated by postmarks not only in Washington, DC, but also in the presidents' hometowns and sometimes even those of the vice presidents. This year's cancels weren't even announced until 4 days before the inauguration and they won't be available at the event! No reasons were given, but what we do know is here.

The U.S. Postal Service is only telling us about some of its 2025 issues, with a promise that "Additional stamps will be announced in the coming weeks and months."

And some major anniversaries are missing from the 2025 program announced so far.

The headliners we know about are Allen Toussaint (Black Heritage) (right), Betty White (second in an annual "Betty" series?), a Keith Haring-design Love stamp, and two subjects beloved by children.

U.S. 2025 Stamp Program

Last Updated January 17: Adds the Spiral Galaxy color postmark and the revised Star Cluster DCP.

What's missing? What subjects haven't been announced yet? Which ones should be announced. Weigh in here.

No Mail Rate Hike in January! The Postmaster General says it isn't necessary. Details here.

Going soon from a homepage near you: The U.S. 2024 Stamp Program will soon be archived (but always available).

Canada's 2025 Stamp Program Canada Post says this year's program includes many social issues: Places of 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride, Truth & Reconciliation, Barrier-Breaking War Heroes, Slavery, and more. Plus there will be stamps honoring former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (right), Graphic Novelists, and Indigenous Leaders. Other subjects include peonies, holidays and biodiversity. See the program preview.

VSC has learned in advance what the 2025 Hanukkah stamp will show!

Investing Or Collecting? How do you view your collection? Is your goal to make money or have fun? Columnist John Hotchner looks at the choices.

750th Anniversary Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, is celebrating a birthday, and so is the Dutch postal agency. But the stamps may not be to everyone's liking.

Celebrating Caribbean Birds The Dutch postal agency will showcase the colorful birds of four Caribbean islands this year. First up: Sint Eustatius.

"Bless You For Watching" One of Britain's most-successful comedy television series, "The Vicar Of Dibley," is the subject of the UK's firs stamps for 2025. ("Bless you for watching" are the first words of every episode's credits.)

On Your Mark, Get Set, Reserve!Reservations are now open for the main show hotel for this summer's Great American Stamp Show. The block of rooms is likely to sell out quickly, so don't wait.

Major Publisher: "Problem Resolved" Amos Media, the company that publishes Linn's Stamp News and the Scott Catalogs, did not print three issues of Scott Stamp Monthly and didn't have printed editions of recent catalogues and other supplies available. It blamed a "business dispute" with its printer, and subscribers began receiving printed copies of the December issue of SSM on December 24. Amos says the new catalogues will be available early next year. Subscribers and advertisers will receive credits. More here.

"Help! I just inherited this stamp collection!"
Just been given Aunt Matilda's old stamp collection and don't know what to do with it? We can help.

Want to Know What Other Collectors Think? The Virtual Stamp Club has its own comments section as well as a Facebook Group. Or visit the former home of The VSC (1996-2013), now called The Stamp Collecting Forum.

Quotable: "In true Amsterdam fashion, the stamps are boldly large. They have that big-city attitude."
— Amsterdam native and stamp designer Michiel Schuurman

Last Updated January 17